No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks… well for a week or so at least!

Yes, it’s that time of year when students all across the U.S. close their books and put on their bathing suits in search of warmer weather and a good time during their Spring Break vacations.

Of course we’re all for having a good time… but the bathing suit part… let’s just say we want to take a moment to remind you to be safe and protect your skin, (I bet that’s not what you thought we were going to say!).

With an estimated one million cases diagnosed annually, the occurrence of skin cancer in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. Since just one blistering sunburn, even during childhood, more than doubles the chances of developing melanoma, the importance of protecting yourself can’t be overstated.

Unfortunately this one week of negligence during your annual ‘fun-in-the-sun’ can play a significant role in increasing your chances of later developing skin cancer.

So along with the bikinis and boardshorts be sure to pack your sunscreen and rash guards.

When selecting a sunscreen make sure it’s at least sweatproof, (if not waterproof), has an SPF of AT LEAST 15 and provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays (read the label). Remember you need to re-apply it every couple of hours while you’re outside, (regardless if there are clouds – the UV rays go right through those puffs of water vapor in the sky).

For the ultimate protection be sure to wear some UV protective clothing like one of our rash guard shirts or Stay Dry shirts when you’re in or around the water. They provide SPF 150+ protection that WON’T WASH OFF!

We’ve got fashionable mens rash guards, womens rash guards and even kids rash guards so you can protect the whole family, (if you’re stuck spending Spring Break with your family and not your frat bros…).

So go have some fun… just protect yourselves… you’ll be happy you did.